Dear Phillies...

In one of our biggest celebrations of the Philadelphia Phillies, every week the members of The Good Phight will be issuing one of baseball’s greatest achievements to date: The Good Phil of the Week Award. One MLB player and one MiLB player will receive the award each week and will be able to boast to their teammates that they are, in fact, a Good Phil.

Major League Good Phil of the Week: J.T. Realmuto

Let’s cut straight to it. J.T. Realmuto is the best catcher in baseball and it’s not even close. I don’t want to hear your arguments for Buster Posey or Wilson Ramos or Yasmani Grandal or Gary Sanchez or anyone else. They’re good players, sure. But they’re not J.T.

The certified BCIB proved once again why he’s earned his title this week, going an absolutely stupid 11-for-28 (.393) with three home runs, a triple, two doubles, six runs scored and eight RBIs. If that’s not enough to woo you, his 1.504 OPS this week will.

He’s now set career highs in runs (87), doubles (34), home runs (23), RBIs (79), walks (39), and runners caught stealing (41). He needs just 14 more hits to set a career high there, too.

While the Phillies’ hopes of playing in October are dwindling, the front office needs to turn their attention to one simple task: Extending J.T. Realmuto’s contract this winter. After giving up promising talent in Jorge Alfaro and the gem of the prospect system, Sixto Sanchez, to acquire J.T. in February, the Phillies need to ensure that they’re going to get the most out of the trade.

It’s clear that this season isn’t going to end in a parade down Broad Street. Who knows what will happen next season, but chances are it won’t be our year either (hopefully a year from now I’m eating these words). That means his current contract, which ends after 2020, isn’t going to cut it. If this organization is serious about winning, they have to not only add where they’re struggling but also keep the top players they already have. This starts with the best catcher in baseball.

Management, if you’re reading this I have one suggestion for you. Sign a blank check and slide it across the table. Pay this man whatever the heck he wants for as long as he wants. Don’t let the “stupid money” end with Bryce. Do whatever it takes. Because losing J.T. Realmuto is not an option.

Other Good Phils Receiving Votes:

Drew Smyly, Zach Eflin, Ranger Suarez

Minor League Good Phil of the Week: Spencer Howard

In his first ever Double A playoff appearance, Howard was absolutely dazzling. He earned a no-decision after allowing just one earned run on two hits over 7.0 innings. He walked two and struck out an absurd 12 batters. This type of performance has become common for Howard, who has taken over as the organization’s top pitching prospect. Let’s hope for a fully healthy season for him in 2020.

With Reading’s elimination from the Eastern League’s playoffs, the Phillies’ minor league system has officially concluded the 2019 season. This is the last Minor League Good Phil of the Week award.

HOWEVER, there is one more Minor League Good Phil award to be given: The Minor League Good Phil of the Year. In order to decide which minor league player should win this prestigious award, we’d like your opinion. You can vote here for who you think should win.

Season Totals

Major League:

Bryce Harper: 5/27-6/2, 7/15/7/21, 8/5-8/11

Jay Bruce: 6/3-6/9, 7/1-7/7

Scott Kingery: 6/10-6/16

Chase Utley: 6/17-6/23

Aaron Nola: 6/24-6/30, 7/1-7/7

Maikel Franco: 7/8-7/14

J.T. Realmuto: 7/22-7/28, 8/12-8/18, 8/19-8/25, 9/2-9/8

Roman Quinn: 7/29-8/4

Corey Dickerson: 8/26-9/1

Minor League:

Adam Haseley: 5/27-6/2

Kyle Glogoski: 6/3-6/9, 6/17-6/23

Damon Jones: 6/10-6/16

Alec Bohm: 6/17-6/23, 6/24-6/30, 7/1-7/7

Bryson Stott: 7/8-7/14

Spencer Howard: 7/15-7/21, 7/22-7/28, 8/19-8/25, 9/2-9/8

Adonis Medina: 7/29-8/4

Mickey Moniak: 8/5-8/11

Kendall Simmons: 8/12-8/18

Deivy Grullon: 8/26-9/1